National Puppy Day was March 23rd this year, and in the spirit of the occasion, I wanted to share a personal look at the harder part of being a dog owner. Dogs are all that is good and wonderful, but there comes a time where you have to say goodbye.

Dogs are incredible creatures. They're so full of life and unconditional love. Sometimes I take a step back and wonder what we ever did to deserve something so pure as a companion. I remember reading a really thoughtful quote that said that when it comes to dogs, they may be only part of your life, but you end up being their whole lives.

10 years ago, a crazy little pup entered my life. My aunt's dog had just had puppies and she had some that she was still trying to find homes for. My younger sister and I begged and pleaded with my mom to let us get another dog. She put up a tough front and my sister and I could not believe it when she finally gave in! That was the day we welcomed Poppy into our family. I can still remember it like it was yesterday, he was such a handsome little, jet black schnauzer pup.

Through the years, he became my best bud. He was everywhere I went like a little black shadow. He would even follow me around the house, just in case I tried to take a nap without him. It didn't matter I waled out the front door just to check the mail, he was still always just as excited to see me walk back through that door. Then, the next thing I knew, this strange little pup grew to be a salt and pepper colored old man of a dog.

This past fall, I had stayed late at school to see a play for class and when I turned my phone on after the production, I had a dozen missed calls and messages. Little Pop had gotten out and was struck by a car. I couldn't even believe it. I lost my best bud that night.

I was devastated, of course. I had spent half of my life with that little dog following me everywhere and in an instant he was gone. But looking back, he had a wonderful life in the ten years he spent as a part of our family and I considered myself lucky to have been blessed with such a loyal companion.

I still think of him often, sometimes I still imagine that he'll be out in the yard as I pull up to my mother's house. Recently, my boyfriend and I welcomed a new four-legged friend into our family. Sometimes she does things just like my Poppy did and I can't help but smile. My heart can finally start to heal.